SB1203 - Relating to public access to criminal proceedings.

  89R1534 MCF-D     By: Zaffirini S.B. No. 1203       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to public access to criminal proceedings.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Article 1.24, Code of Criminal Procedure, is   amended to read as follows:          Art. 1.24.  PUBLIC TRIAL.  The proceedings , including a   proceeding under Article 15.17, and trials in all courts shall be   public.          SECTION 2.  Chapter 15, Code of Criminal Procedure, is   amended  by adding Article 15.1705 to read as follows:           Art.   15.1705.     REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTAIN PROCEEDINGS   CONDUCTED BEFORE MAGISTRATE.   (a)   For each proceeding conducted   under Article 15.17, as soon as practicable before the proceeding   the court shall publish the following information on its Internet   website or at the location where the proceeding will be held:                 (1)     the manner in which the public may inquire about a   specific arrested person or proceeding;                 (2)     the time, if known, and location of the   proceeding; and                 (3)     the manner in which the public may access the   proceeding, including the Internet website link for the livestream   or videoconference, if applicable.           (b)     A court that as of January 1, 2026, does not have the   physical capability, or is located in a secured facility without   the physical capability, to provide in-person public access to a   proceeding under Article 15.17 shall provide public access by   livestream or videoconference.   The livestream or videoconference   must allow members of the public to clearly see and hear the   proceeding.           (c)     This article may not be construed as prohibiting a judge   from placing reasonable limits on in-person access to the court for   safety or to prevent overcrowding.           (d)     Any person, including a member of the media, or the   attorney general may file a petition for a writ of mandamus or apply   for other appropriate equitable relief to enforce the right of the   public to access a proceeding in accordance with this article. The   petition or application must be filed in:                 (1)     a district court in the county in which the court   conducting the applicable proceeding is located; or                 (2)     if filed by the attorney general, a district court   in Travis County.          SECTION 3.  The change in law made by this Act applies only   to a criminal proceeding that commences on or after January 1, 2026.     A criminal proceeding that commenced before January 1, 2026, is   governed by the law in effect immediately before the effective date   of this Act, and the former law is continued in effect for that   purpose.          SECTION 4.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.